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I finally came across another supply of dis carded veggies .It sure pays to smile, be friendly, respectful, etc... ( I am all that anyway )Loaded this into my compost piles, dug down and aerated the bottom and lo and behold.Hot stuff down below...

Unfortunately we are not allowed here to get discarded stuff like that due to Health reasons apparently. Not even for composting. I think they believe that people will eat this kind of thing, which would not surprise me as so much of this discarded stuff is fit to eat. For two years I had the throwaways and it included many packaged items that were one day out of expiry date.

I did suggest that if they were afraid of people eating it, why not chop it up and mix it then allow people to have it for composting. No reply on that suggestion.

KelejanSuch a terrible waste, Most of the stuff I'm getting here is not fit to eat, however if one is hungry, just about anything is fit to eat.There are a few pieces here and there that may be edible, I wouldn't eat any and take it away from my compost buddies...after all their working hard and need nutrition... By the way I am looking to make or get some kind of a mixer/chopper for this material before I add it to my piles. I tried a paint mixer, not so good...any other idea ?

Jimmy, What about an auger that fits on an electric drill? I bought originally bought one for mixing compost when I had just had a smallish cage. You've given me an idea for chopping up everything but stone fruit. I prefer to remove the pits from them before putting in the compost pile so I don't have to screen them at the end. Thanks for the idea. Repurposing a tool!

What about a grout mixing attachment? Is it tougher than a paint mixer since it's designed to work in a heavier mix?

I was envisioning one of those monster two person rigs to dig foundation post holes - that would make quick work of turning a pile, LOL

Mentioning pits, I had two avocado trees start from my compost. I must not have screened that load because they were out in the garden. I let them grow knowing that the first frost would kill them - if they survived I would have let them keep growing but we just can't baby anything like an avocado.

But for anyone who is in a zone that can keep them from freezing, obviously throwing the pits into your compost and planting them in compost works, LOL!

AJ, my grandmother in Lodi had an avocado tree growing in her yard that got 30' tall. But I do not think it ever made fruit. Considering the frantic activity in SD county if frost threatened I found my grandmothers avocado and orange trees amusing. They got frosted a good bit each winter. I will be interested to see if your serendipity trees survive and how they do.

Why not just put the stuff to be composted down in alternate layers when ever possible and occasionally use a long pointed steel bar to make five or so air holes down through the pile , riving it round in a circle to make a cone shaped hole . This will move the contents around enough for more oxygen to get down the holes ( or for watering if needed ) and also to move through in the the compost .

The bacteria & moulds will pass naturally around the pile very quickly . Once it's dropped down say by 1/3 or more , it will be lighter , then if you're able you can fork it over .

Jimmy, I just use a long serrated knife to do my chopping in my kitchen where it is nice and warm and I can work at table height and have soft music in the background.

From your pictures most of it is soft vegetation and fruit, you do not even need to chop it up as it will decompose with no further help from you. Just spread it around on the surface and then cover it with leaves or something like that and the worms will take care of it.

@Turan wrote:AJ, my grandmother in Lodi had an avocado tree growing in her yard that got 30' tall. But I do not think it ever made fruit. Considering the frantic activity in SD county if frost threatened I found my grandmothers avocado and orange trees amusing. They got frosted a good bit each winter. I will be interested to see if your serendipity trees survive and how they do.

I reread my post and realized I didn't make it clear - first heavy freeze and goners for my avocado trees Having home grown avocados is not going to happen in this mountain valley, LOL!

Kelejan...thats all I need to do...LOL use our kitchen for chopping...wow....I'd never be allowed back in and all delicious dinners would cease....

Plantoid, now thats and idea I might try. presently I have one of those tools that push down and open when you pull up, doesn't always open tho.

AJR.. I think I've heard of a mud mixer, will check next trip to Lowes. I am considering making a container that will allow me to crunch the up with my small electric tiller...I think a small auger that would fit my drill would be great...

Jimmy - your pre-compost looks like a great addition - congrats on obtaining it.Turning it to mix - I have no ideas but others have make suggestions that might work for you -- that is what is so great about these folks.

After seeking commercial materials for my beds, home composting is the only way to go and I'll be checking our groceries for "freebies". You have a head start - way to go!!

@jimmy cee wrote:Kelejan...thats all I need to do...LOL use our kitchen for chopping...wow....I'd never be allowed back in and all delicious dinners would cease....

I am a great believer in the KISS system, jimmy. I guess the difference is that I don't have a wife. My DH always let me do whatever I wanted. Whether it would have worked the other way, I have never thought about that.

@bbroomm wrote:You guys should cherish and be happy that your significant others are so helpful and supportive. I'm sure it helps a lot. I mean, I don't know first hand , but I can imagine.

I agree with you and never take a moment of life with a wonderful man for granted. My first marriage (hubby died of cancer) was a tough one so I truly know the treasure I have

I don't know if you meant to, but reading this kinda put me in my place for backdoor complaining about how mine isn't supportive of my gardening interest. Kind of put a whole new perspective. He's a great in every other aspect of life, now I feel like compost (see what I did there ) for being hurt he doesn't want to garden with me (or help me with it).